NJ Urologic Oncologists

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that begins in the glands of the prostate. It is the abnormal growth of cells in a man’s prostate that form a tumor. Scientists aren’t certain what the cause of prostate cancer is, but age, race, genetics, and even diet may be factors. Prostate cancer is common in men over the age of 65, but very treatable when caught in the early stages.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Symptoms may not be present in the very early stages of prostate cancer. Symptoms may include frequent urination, weak or interrupted urine stream, painful or bloody urine, blood present in semen, weight loss, and fatigue, nausea, swelling of lower extremities, weakness or paralysis in lower limbs.

If you have any of these symptoms, a doctor can detect the cancer through a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Dependent on the results of that test, your doctor will perform a prostate biopsy if needed.

Prostate Cancer Stages

A diagnosis of prostate cancer is a significant life event, causing stress over next steps. It is important to understand the stages of prostate cancer, so that you are familiar with what stage you are at and understand treatment options available to you.

Like other cancers, the sooner you catch it, the better the chances you have of successfully treating and recovering from the cancer. There are four stages of prostate cancer, named numerically from I-IV.

Stage I

In the first stage of prostate cancer, the cancer is only found in the prostate. It cannot be identified on a digital rectal exam or imaging of the prostate due to its microscopic nature. Stage I prostate cancer is identified through a needle biopsy, which is only done for people when high PSA levels are found. Any cancer diagnosed during this stage is extremely curable and relatively low-risk. The PSA levels will be less than 10 and a Gleason score below 6. Young and healthy men may choose to get check-ups and keep an eye on the cancer rather than getting immediate treatment.

Stage II

Stage II prostate cancer is more advanced than the first stage. In this stage, the tumor has grown within the prostate, but still has not spread past the prostate. The cancer can be identified through the same method as stage I, and is accompanied by higher PSA and Gleason scores. Prostate cancer in this stage should be treated with surgery or radiation to prevent it from spreading further and causing symptoms.

Stage III

Stage III cancer is identified by the spread of the cancer outside of the prostate, without reaching the bladder or rectum. Nearby tissues such as the seminal vesicles are most likely affected by the cancer at this stage. Stage III prostate cancer is more difficult to treat, and is accompanied by higher rates of cancer recurrence.

Stage IV

At the most advanced stage of prostate cancer, the cancer has now spread beyond seminal vesicles to nearby organs and tissues. This may include the rectum, bladder, pelvic wall, nearby lymph nodes, and even the bone.

Prostate Cancer Treatment

Many treatment options are available and they differ depending on what stage of cancer you are in. Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive option for removing the tumor. Other options include radiation therapy, ultrasound, and cryosurgery.

Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer, also referred to as renal cell carcinoma, occurs when cells grow rapidly in either one or both kidneys. This cancer affects your body’s ability to filter the blood to create urine. It is treatable if caught in the early stages, but will otherwise spread to other parts of your body creating a much more serious problem.

Symptoms of Kidney Cancer

Some symptoms of kidney cancer are blood in urine, lower back pain where kidneys are located, abdominal pain and swelling, blurred vision, weight loss, blood present in urine, and swelling of veins around the testicles. Smoking, chemical exposure, and prolonged pain medication use are common predispositions to the development of kidney cancer.

Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer occurs in the portion of your urinary tract that is responsible for holding urine until you are ready to empty it, known as the bladder. It usually occurs in older ages, but smoking or exposure to dangerous chemicals may increase your risk. Most cases of bladder cancer are diagnosed early and easy to treat, but if left alone the cancer will spread to other areas of the body.

Symptoms of Bladder Cancer

Symptoms of bladder cancer are normally present in the early stages. A typical symptom is the presence of blood in the urine. Frequent or painful urination, and pain in back or pelvis may also be present.

Bladder Cancer Treatment

Treatment options include Transurethral Resection (TUR), Radical or Partial Cystectomy and urinary diversion Testicular cancer is the cancer of a male’s testicles, located in the scrotum underneath the penis. The testicles are responsible for creating the male hormone testosterone and sperm. Testicular cancer can affect men of any age, but is most common in young men. While it is generally rare, it is still the most common type of cancer amongst young men.

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is usually easily detectable. Symptoms of testicular cancer include a lump in the scrotum that can be felt during a self-exam, a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, and a dull pain in the groin and lower abdomen. To conclude if you have testicular cancer, your doctor will perform a Testicular Cancer Screening.

Many men choose to have the affected testicle surgically removed. The removal has no effect on sexual performance, semen production, or ability to have children. Other options include chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy.

It is normal to be worried when diagnosed with a urological cancer. Your doctor at Somerset Urological Associates will help you decide what the best treatment option is for you and help you make a quick recovery.